BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Board of Regents approved updates to eight policies during its August meeting, including a significantly strengthened anti-hazing policy.

The updated Uniform Anti-Hazing Policy was revised to align with the Caleb Wilson Anti-Hazing Prevention Act, which Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law on May 22. The new policy increases institutional accountability by establishing enhanced organizational sanctions, including a lifetime ban for organizations found responsible for hazing deaths. It also increases education and training requirements and enhances access to organizations' records regarding hazing violations.

Urania Wilson, mother of Caleb Wilson, attended the meeting to support the stronger policies.

"Thank you to Commissioner Reed for her support of this updated policy and I want to thank the entire Board from the bottom of my heart," said Urania Wilson. "One child lost to hazing is one too many. I know Louisiana can be the leader for anti-hazing policies and enforcement."

The Board also approved revisions to the Uniform Policy on Power-Based Violence to align its definition with updated Louisiana law. The updates also direct institutions to share information about power-based violence with the parent or legal guardian of an enrolled student who is a minor.

"We have no tolerance for hazing or power-based violence on our campuses," said Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed. "As we welcome students back this fall these new policies strengthen the focus on safety for all learners."

New Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges President Richard Nelson also shared his vision for the future of the system, including a goal to reduce barriers for non-traditional students 26 and older. He also shared that LCTC intends to open a charter school allowing students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to graduate high school while gaining advanced technical skills or an associate's degree.